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LOT 1343
Roman Carnelian Gemstone with Fly
2ND-3RD CENTURY A.D.
3/8 in. (0.50 grams, 11 mm).
Oval intaglio with a fly or another flying insect with detailed eyes and wings, and two pairs of legs. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom the estate of a late collector, Woodbury, Connecticut, USA.
From a private collection acquired in 2006.
Cf. for a representation of a fly on Roman gemstones, Osborne, D., Engraved gems, Signets, Talismans and ornamental intaglios, ancient and modern, New York, 1912, pl.XXVI, no.16.
CONDITIONTimeLine Auctions follows a vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists: Our Vetting Process
AUCTIONS:
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LOT 1343
Roman Carnelian Gemstone with Fly
Estimate £60 - 80€70 - 93 (for guidance only)$81 - 108 (for guidance only)
Opening Bid
£5 (EUR 6; USD 7) +BP*
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Roman Terracotta Bullae, Tesserae or Token Group
3rd century B.C.-1st century A.D.Estimate: £100 - 140 (+bp*)
Bids: 1 | Current Bid: £5
A mixed group of ceramic bullae, tesserae or theatre tokens bearing low-relief motifs, mainly consisting of profile busts of deities. 32.6 grams total, 13-22 mm
From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s.
The term 'tessera' was used in Roman times to convey the Greek term σύμβολον (token). Small tiles are known as tokens, often shaped like coins, made of metal (copper, lead, iron), clay, bone, wood, or glass, stamped as well as engraved. The tokens, however, are not exclusively coin-shaped, as the Latin term 'tessera' suggests by etymologically referring to a square or at least a four-sided shape and confirmed in several cases by material remains of the past. Tokens and tesserae seem to have been used both in Athens and Rome for the distribution of goods. According to written sources, the term token is identified with credentials of the official authorities. They have also been interpreted as tokens of identity, as entrance tickets to theatre performances, tribunals or assemblies of citizens, archival material of seal engraving, as pawns in games, Charon’s obols and even as amulets. -
Roman and Other Bronze Artefact Group
1st-4th century A.D. and laterEstimate: £40 - 60 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £5
Including crossbow brooch fragments, insert panel with an incuse profile bust, horse appliqué and other items. 93 grams total, 5-46 mm
From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s. -
Roman Terracotta Figural Fragment Group
Circa 1st-4th century A.D.Estimate: £30 - 40 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £5
Comprising two fragments: the large showing the upper body of a female wearing jewellery, the smaller with clothing folds. 116 grams total, 6.3-10 cm
From the collection of the late Grayham Futter esq., Norfolk, UK, thence by descent, 2005. Acquired on the UK art market since the 1990s. From the property of a late Lincolnshire, UK, gentleman; thence by descent. Accompanied by a previous catalogue information slip.
